Top Costa Rica How to Get Around in 2026

Get a dose of Costa Rica’s signature nature without leaving San Jose or fitting in an extra day trip. Led by a local biologist, you’ll traverse the city looking for tropical birds, slow-moving sloths, exotic plants, wild berries, and more. Just steps from downtown San Jose lies a green world of adventure, if you know where to look—and with this tour, you will.

Experience the Guanacaste coastline from Playa Flamingo on an all-inclusive catamaran cruise designed for a relaxing day on the water. Take in views of secluded beaches and offshore islands while watching for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales. With snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and lunch included, this hassle-free experience lets you enjoy the region's coastal scenery and marine wildlife without the planning separate activities.

Head out to the Sloth's Territory reserve, just outside of La Fortuna, to see the slow moving creatures in their natural habitat with this tour. You'll hike through the reserve, where you're likely to not only spot sloths, but also see a variety of other animals, including red frogs, porcupines, and even toucans. After your walk, you'll take a break to try some local fruits before returning to La Fortuna.

Discover Costa Rica's enchanting Pacific rain forest from the air and water on this combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Walk through the treetops on a series of hanging bridges at a private biological reserve, and then cruise down the Tarcoles River, home to a famous community of crocodiles. In between the eco adventures, enjoy time to shop and snack at a quaint replica of a Spanish colonial settlement.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

The MOST searched wildlife tour in La Fortuna! Discover the magic of the Costa Rican jungle on a 2-hour guided hike inside an exclusive private reserve near the Arenal Volcano. This tour is designed to maximize your chances of seeing animals in their natural habitat. Accompanied by expert local guides and using professional equipment (high-quality telescopes), you will be able to observe sloths, monkeys, toucans, frogs and much more - even those that others cannot see! - Sightings 100% assured✅️ - Passionate and highly trained guides✅️ - Perfect for amazing photos ✅️ ⚠️ Groups are limited and fill up fast - book now to secure your space. Whether you’re visiting Fortune for the first time or are a nature lover, this is a must-see experience. " Recommended by travelers"

Snorkeling stops, sunshine, and unobstructed views of Costa Rica's shoreline make this sunset catamaran cruise the ideal way to end your day—and the open bar doesn't hurt. Join a friendly crew (as well as dolphins, turtles, and flying fish) to make the most of the day's last rays on this perfectly timed tour, which ends just as the sun sinks below the horizon. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

The Volcano Combo Tour is an experience you won’t find anywhere else, a full day that brings together Costa Rica’s adventure, culture, and volcanic wonders in one unforgettable journey. Start your adventure with ziplining across the rainforest canopy, crossing hanging bridges, and sliding down a thrilling waterslide carved through the jungle. Then, enjoy a touch of tradition with a vibrant cultural show, and take in the breathtaking landscapes on a horseback ride through scenic trails. Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch offering options for every taste, before heading to the relaxing side of the volcano. Here, you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall, detox in a natural volcanic rock sauna, cover yourself in a healing volcanic mud bath, and soak in the soothing thermal hot springs. What makes this tour truly unique is the perfect balance it offers; the adrenaline of adventure, the richness of culture, and the serenity of volcanic wellness, all in one incredible day.

Central America’s longest zipline runs for nearly a mile, with 14 tree platforms, three natural walks, six hanging bridges, and more. On this tour, you’ll experience it for yourself, zooming above the forest like a clay-colored thrush (Costa Rica’s national bird, of course). You’ll also sit down to a traditional lunch to fuel up for the adrenaline-filled activity, with hotel transfers included for convenience.

Sail along the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park on this half-day tour from Quepos. Onboard a catamaran, cruise to snorkeling and swimming spots in Biesanz Bay and spot marine life in its natural environment. Lunch is included with fresh fruit, cocktails, fruit drinks, and Costa Rican coffee to keep you refreshed and energized. Snorkeling gear is included so you don’t need to rent or buy your own.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you have the chance to spot the resplendent quetzal. Meet up with your guide on this small-group excursion and head through this tropical cloud forest, looking out for the multitudes of wildlife that inhabit the area using a provided spotting scope. The tour is offered in English and Spanish to accommodate more travelers.

Though renowned for its wildlife, spotting the Arenal and La Fortuna area's favorite animal residents can be notoriously tricky. Tour a number of locations where wildlife sightings are all but guaranteed on this Arenal wildlife tour—expect to see sloths, toucans, dart frogs, and more with the help of your guide. Tour includes use of spotting scope and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Get active while experiencing Costa Rica’s unique cloud forest environment on a guided half-day hiking tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Your guide will tell you all about the natural history and biodiversity of the area as you look out for an incredible range of birds and animals that live here. Don’t struggle to hear or keep up with your guide as this is a small-group tour.

This sunset cruise includes snorkeling equipment for you to get out and enjoy the water, plus a premium top-shelf open bar and lunch. Basically, it has everything you need to guarantee a fun afternoon out on the water. End your tour with a picture-perfect sunset over the ocean. The cruise leaves from 2 locations, Tamarindo or Playas del Coco. Please be careful to select the correct option.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Live an unforgettable night hike in La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano, and discover the wildlife that comes alive after dark. Explore the nature trails of Mirador El Silencio accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide who will help you find and get to know Costa Rica’s fascinating nightlife. We will search for red-eyed frogs, poison frogs, snakes, lizards, spiders, insects, resting birds and other nocturnal creatures. With any luck, we can also observe sloths and other mammals. All animals live free in their natural habitat, so every night is different and sightings are not guaranteed. Our family-friendly small group experience allows for a more personal and educational adventure, with opportunities to photograph fauna. Discover the hidden world of the Arenal tropical forest and experience one of the best nature experiences in La Fortuna.

Pick a morning or afternoon start time that suits your schedule and then head to Selvatura Park to begin your fun-filled zipline adventure. Get started with a safety session, during which you'll receive a harness and learn the basic park safety procedures to ensure a fun, but protected experience. You’ll then have access to the park’s range of 13 different zipline cables and 18 platforms, along with an optional ride on the Tarzan Swing. You’ll walk through the park between a series of 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) tree walkways that traverse Monteverde’s cloud forest, crossing between eight different bridges, with some lengths up to 510 feet (170 meters) and some as high as 180 feet (60 meters). After enjoying an action-packed day suitable for all ages, you’ll end your experience in the park and head to your next destination.

Explore the cloud forest in Monteverde after the sun sets on this guided nighttime tour. AFter dark, explore the biodiverse forest at Ficus Trails, spotting the nocturnal animals that inhabit the area. See tropical birds sleeping as well as the nighttime habits of other wildlife like scorpions, tarantulas, bats, and more. You’ll see different things than on a day tour.

Go where standard vehicles can’t as you head off La Fortuna’s beaten path and into Costa Rica’s lush jungle. Drive an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through Arenal Volcano Ecological Park (PEVA), along muddy trails and through dense rainforest. Along the way, stop in Maleku Village to learn about local indigenous culture.

Embark on a sightseeing tour around the seaside city of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Visit a local farmers market and walk along the Tárcoles Bridge looking for crocodiles. Then explore Carara National Park, taking in the lush rainforest and stunning ocean views. Check off the region’s highlights in just five hours, with photo opportunities aplenty.

Explore Costa Rica's port city of Limon during this private whirlwind tour combining history and nature. Learn about Limon's early beginnings, visit a local banana plantation, take a scenic road trip along the coast, and cruise through the Tortuguero Canals to immerse yourself in Tico culture. There's no better way to get the most out of your time in Limon.

Take a pause from a busy vacation and schedule in some rest with this full-day pass to La Fortuna’s hot springs. Enjoy access to all of the facility's natural hot spring pools and hot tubs, and rejuvenate in their warm waters. Customize your experience and add-on an optional meal or massage treatment to suit your preferences.

Sneak in a tropical island getaway during your Costa Rica vacation on this cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Swim, snorkel, hike, drink, and dine on this all-inclusive tour, with the option to rent even more of your favorite water sports equipment like waverunners and paddleboards. Bookend your tour with a catamaran cruise across the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya.